Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner Kristen Hilton said that the guidelines will help sporting clubs and organisations tackle and prevent discrimination of trans and gender diverse people and create an inclusive sporting environment for everyone.

"Sport is an important part of our culture and can provide huge benefits to people’s health and happiness, as well as that of our communities," Commissioner Hilton said.

"It’s vital that sport is accessible to everyone

"Some sporting clubs and organisations have been uncertain how they can ensure that they are inclusive of trans and gender diverse players, and at times have felt overwhelmed by their responsibilities under the law.

"Our guidelines make it easier for sporting clubs and organisations by giving them practical advice.

"The most important thing is to treat trans and gender diverse people like you would anyone else. A trans man is a man, a trans woman is a woman and a non-binary or agender person is a person."

"Netball Victoria is very supportive of all members of the Victorian community and wants trans and gender diverse people to feel welcome and safe playing our sport.

"These updated guidelines will help to ensure all our Associations, Leagues and Clubs across Victoria know how they can take action to prevent discrimination of trans and gender diverse people both on and off the court."

Rory Blundell identifies as a transmasculine person and is currently training in the freestyle martial art Zen Do Kai with the Melbourne Dragons Inclusive Club. Blundell has been actively involved in a number of sports over his life, including soccer and taekwondo.

"Being trans has made it impossible for me to participate in sport as myself and my gender identity due to discriminatory policy and the attitudes of clubs, coaches and other participants.

"These guidelines are a fantastic step forward in increasing trans and gender diverse inclusivity in sport and will hopefully allow and incentivise sporting groups to create clearer, trans-friendly policies and procedures."

The guidelines were first launched in 2015. The updated guidelines reflect changing terminology and developments in diversity and inclusion in sport and were prompted by the International Olympic Committee’s updating of its policy on trans athletes. The Commission acknowledges that community views on terminology continue to change.

In addition to the guidelines, the Commission has developed a quick reference guide, examples of how to respond to common scenarios and a gender identity policy template for sporting clubs and organisations to use.

The Commission also offers education and training services for sporting clubs and organisations designed to increase their inclusivity. To learn more about these services, contact the Commission at education@veohrc.vic.gov.au.

If you feel you have been discriminated against because of your gender identity, you can call the Commission on 1300 292 153 or make a complaint online.